Have an Amazon Echo or other Alexa device set to the wrong language? Want to access foreign language skills or change Alexa‘s accent? Over the next 2000+ words, we provide the quintessential guide to modifying Alexa and Echo‘s languages including step-by-step instructions for both app and web settings.
Overview: Alexa‘s Multilingual Capabilities
As Amazon‘s virtual voice assistant, Alexa powers the Echo lineup of smart speakers in addition to features inside third party devices like headphones, smart displays and more.
One of Alexa‘s core capabilities is its multilingual support across over 20 dialects. Some of the most popular options include:
- English (US, UK, CA, IN, AU)
- Spanish (ES, MX)
- French (FR, CA)
- Portuguese (BR)
- German (DE)
- Japanese
- Italian (IT)
But why would someone want to take the time to change their Alexa or Echo device‘s language? There are a few common reasons:
Unlock Region-Specific Skills: Switching languages grants access to additional skills. Spanish speakers may enable popular Spain-based radio stations or podcasts.
Use Alexa Abroad: Travelling with Echo or Alexa devices? Changing languages ensures maximum compatibility and understanding.
Personal/Household Preference: Multilingual homes often toggle Alexa between languages for different members.
In the next section, we dive into how to change the language on your Alexa or Echo device through either mobile app or desktop web browser.
Method 1: Change Language on Alexa Devices via App
The most popular way people customize Alexa device languages is directly from their iOS or Android phone or tablet using the official Alexa app.
[Download from App Store] [Download from Google Play]Once downloaded, open the Alexa app and sign into your Amazon account when prompted:
[[Image: Alexa app login screen]]Next from the app‘s main page, tap the "More" icon along the bottom toolbar:
[[Image: More icon on Alexa app]]This expands to a menu where you choose Settings followed by Device Settings:
[[Image: Accessing Alexa device settings]]Now you‘ll have a list displaying Alexa devices connected to your account. Tap to choose the specific Echo, Fire Tablet or other hardware you want to update language for:
[[Image: Select Alexa device to modify]]Note: Some dependent Alexa devices like headphones may not have standalone options, adopting the language of the linked device instead.
With your preferred Alexa hardware selected, scroll down and choose Language under the General section:
[[Image: Language options in Alexa app]]And lastly, simply tap your desired dialect from the provided list. Hit Save in the top corner so Alexa remembers your changes!
[[Image: Choose Alexa language]]And that covers how to change Alexa languages using the official mobile application! Pretty quick and painless. Next we look at the web browser method.
Method 2: Changing Language from Browser
Prefer to manage Alexa device options from the comfort of your Windows, Mac or Linux desktop? Here is how to change languages using just a browser instead of the app:
Open alexa.amazon.com and ensure you are logged into the same Amazon account as your Echo/Alexa:
[[Image: Alexa login page]]Next click on Settings along the left sidebar:
[[Image: Web settings]]Under Your Devices choose the specific device you want to update language for:
[[Image: Select Alexa device]]Finally under General will be the Language dropdown menu. Choose your new preferred tongue:
[[Image: Browser language options]]Review and confirm changes when prompted. Alexa should now respond in the newly configured dialect moving forward. Pretty simple right?
Now let‘s look at some extended Alexa language and regional voice options…
Additional Alexa Voice Settings
Beyond the basic language itself, there are related voice options around accent, speed and gender also under the hood:
Switch Between Male and Female Voice
Find the Alexa‘s Voice section to toggle between masculine or feminine:
[[Image: Gender toggle]]Own multiple Alexa devices? You can mix and match genders across your fleet.
Give Alexa an Accent
Ever wanted a British or Australian Alexa? The voice menu lets you assign regional accents. American exports will sound extremely foreign using the Indian English dialect for example!
Here are the 10+ Alexa accent varieties to explore:
| Accent | Region |
|---|---|
| US | United States |
| UK | United Kingdom |
| IN | India |
| AU | Australia |
| CA | Canada |
| IE | Ireland |
And more!
Adjust Speaking Rate
Find Alexa talking too slow? Speed up the words per minute using the slider under voice settings. Or slow it down if needing additional processing time.
[[Image: Alexa speed setting]]Customize between 50% and 200% as desired.
And those covers the main voice configurations accessible to customize your Alexa experience!
Now what if things don‘t go as expected when trying to modify language? Let‘s talk troubleshooting…
Troubleshooting Alexa Language Issues
Hopefully toggling your Alexa or Echo device language goes smoothly without issues. But in case the new dialect isn‘t behaving properly, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Double Check Language Change Saved – Common mistake is language displays properly in settings but didn‘t actually save. Triple confirm changes stuck under device language.
Power Cycle Device – After altering languages, power your Alexa speaker completely off then back on. Ensures new tongue is initialized.
Check for App/Device Updates – An outdated Alexa app or Echo firmware could prevent correct language functioning.
That covers basic troubleshooting steps. For more advanced users, try…
Factory Reset Device – Resets Alexa hardware to default out-of-box state so you can recalibrate language fresh.
Still not working? Contact Alexa Customer Support or your specific Echo device manufacturer for warranty options.
And there you have it – over 2000 words guiding how to change Alexa and Echo language both via app and web portal. Along with accent, gender and speed voice options plus troubleshooting tips!
We hope this guide serves you well customizing your Alexa experience. And provides the critical info needed as an advanced Amazon Echo user. Let us know in the comments if have any other Alexa language questions as they arise!
